[0001] This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions having anti-gastric ulcer activity,
to certain oxime ether derivatives for use in these compositions, and to methods for
the preparation of these compounds.
[0002] In Farmaco. Ed. Sct. 19, 668-702 (1964), Chem Avstr.61. 10545e (1964), phenyl 2-pyridinyl
ketone, 0-dimethylaminoethyl oxime methiodide has been described, which compound showed
acetylcholine antagonistic activity. The salts of the tertiary amine should possess
papaverine-like activity in vitro.
[0003] In U.S. Patent No. 3,205,234 a number of N-oxides of pyridinyl ketone 0-hydrocarbon
oximes have been mentioned, wherein the hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated
acyclic aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, cycloaliphaticalkyl or araliphatic, containing
up to twelve carbon atoms. The N-oxides are said to be active and useful as antiinflammatory
agents and drug-potentiators (e.g. potentiation of barbiturate-induced sleep in mammals),
although this statement has not been supported by any pharmacological data.
[0004] According to this reference, these N-oxides are prepared by reacting a corresponding
pyridinyl ketone o-hydrocarbon oxime with a peroxide. The starting oxime ethers are
only described as intermediates. Thus, no pharmacological activity of these compounds
has been mentioned.
[0005] In U.S. Patent No. 3,290,320, which corresponds to British Patent No. 1,070,964,
phenyl 2-pyridinyl ketone, 0-di(m)ethylamino- ethyl/propyl oximes have been described,
which compounds showed anti-androgenic activity.
[0006] In J. Pharm. Sci. 58, 138-141 (1969) phenyl 2-pyridinyl Katone, G-di(m)ethyliaminoethyl
oxime; 4-methoxyphenyl 2-thienyl ketone, 0-dimethylazinoethyl oxime; and phenyl 2-picolinyl
ketone, 0-dimethylamino- athyl oxime have been described, which compounds showed anti-androgenic
activity, but the effective dose was very close to the toxic dose.
[0007] It has now been found that certain oxime ethers derived from heterocyclic ketones
possess anti-ulcer activity in the gastro-intestinal tract, e.g, by inhibition of
gastric acid secretion and/or stimulation of mucus formation, and that pharmaceutical
compositions containing them may be used in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders
of the gastro-intestinal tract.
[0008] The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition having anti-ulcer activity,
which composition comprises an anti-ulcer effective amount of a compound of the formula
(I) :

or an N-oxide thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said
N-oxide, wherein
Het is a 2-, 3- or 4-pyridinyl group, or such group substituted by one or more halogen
atoms or C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkoxy groups,
Ar is a phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic group, or such a group
substituted by one or more halogen atoms or C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl groups,
R is a C1-3 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, cyano C1-3 alkyl, a carbamidoalkyl group with the formula -(CH2) C(0)NR1R2, wherein p is 1 or 2, R and R are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R1 and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered
heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present, or an aminoalkyl group
with the formula -(CH2) NR3R4, wherein q is 2 or 3, R3 and R are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered
heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present, and
m and n are each 0 or I, with the proviso that m + n is not 2,
Ln association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
[0009] Certain of the above compounds of formula (I) (and their N-oxides and addition salts)
are believed to be novel and constitute a further aspect of the present invention.
These compounds are those of formula (I) wherein Ar is a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic
heteroaromatic group, or such a group substituted by one or more halogen atoms or
C
1-6 alkyl, C
1-6 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl groups. Suitable or preferred compounds
of this group are hereinafter described in relation to the pharmaceutical compositions
containing such compounds.
[0010] The compounds of formula (I) may be substituted or unsubstituted in Het, as described.
However, it is believed that a preferred class of such compounds for their utility
is that in which Het is unsubstituted.
[0011] Ar as a phenyl group is preferably unsubstituted phenyl.
[0012] Ar as a heteroaromatic group is preferably 2- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2- or
4-pyridinyl, of which 2-thienyl and 2-furyl are most preferred.
[0013] R is preferably R' where R' is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, allyl, propargyl, cyanomethyl,
dimethylaminoethyl or -propyl, of which C
l-3 alkyl, particularly methyl, and dimethylaminopropyl are most preferred.
[0014] Preferably, m and n are zero. If, however, n is one, the preferred of Ar is phenyl.
[0015] The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salt and quaternary
addition salts. Among the therapeutically appropiate acids for the formation of additions
salts are inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric
acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid, and organic acids such as citric acid, acetic
acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, tartaric
acid and methanesulphonic acid, of which hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, maleic
acid, fumaric acid and methanesulphonic acid are preferred.
[0016] It will be realized that each compound of formula (I) may exist in two different
forms (E and Z-isomer). Both such forms are included within this invention. The compounds
of the invention, as represented by formula (I), include free base and additions salt
forms, separated isomeric forms and mixtures thereof.
[0017] Particularly preferred compounds within formula (I) in which Ar is phenyl include
the 2-, 3- and 4-piperidinyl phenyl ketone, 0-methyl, 0-2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl and
0-3-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl oximes.
[0018] Particularly preferred compounds within formula (I) in which Ar is & heteroaromatic
group include compounds of formula (I)' :

wherein Het is as previously defined, Art is 2-thienyl or 2-furyl and R' is methyl
or dimethylaminopropyl.
[0019] Especially preferred compounds within the formula (I)' are : 2-pyridinyl 2-thienyl
ketone, 0-3-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl oxime, and 2-furyl 2-pyridinyl ketone, 0-3-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl
oxime.
[0020] The compounds (I) of the invention can be prepared according to methods which are
known per se for the preparation of this type of compound or methods analogous thereto.
[0021] A suitable method for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) comprises the
reaction of a compound of formula (II) :

wherein Het, Ar, m and n are as defined in relation to formula (I) and C ==Q is a
carbonyl group or a protected carbonyl group, with a 0-substituted hydroxylamine derivative
of formula (III) :

or a salt thereof, wherein R is as defined in relation to formula (I).
[0022] Suitable protected carbonyl groups are, for example, ketals and oximes. The preferred
meaning of Q is oxygen. If Q is an alkylene- dioxy group, it is preferably ethylenedioxy.
[0023] The reaction may be carried out under reaction conditions which are commonly used
for this type of reaction. Preferably the reaction is carried out in a solvent, such
as an alcohol, dioxane, dimethyl formamide, tetrahydrofuran or pyridine. Usually,
the reaction temperature will be between room temperature and the boiling temperature
of the reaction mixture.
[0024] The compound (III) is preferably added in the form of its acid salt, preferably its
hydrochloride, to compound (II), which is preferably dissolved in pyridine.
[0025] A further suitable method for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) comprises
the reaction of a compound of formula (IV) :

wherein Het, Ar m and n are as defined in relation to formula (I) and M is a hydrogen
or an alkali metal atom, with a compound of formula (V) :

wherein R is as defined in relation to formula (I) and Y is a suitable leaving group,
such as a chloride, bromide, iodide or tosyloxy group.
[0026] The reaction may be carried out in a conventional solvent, such as methanol, ethanol,
acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dioxane, dimethylglycol ether or dimethyl formamide.
[0027] If in formula (IV) M represents a hydrogen atom, it may be useful to add an acid
binding agent to the reaction mixture. Suitable acid binding agents are, for example,
alkali metal hydrides, hydroxides, carbonates and alkoxides, tertiary amines, pyridine
and the like.
[0028] The reaction conditions are as commonly used for this type of reaction. Usually,
the reaction temperature will be between room temperature and the boiling temperature
of the reaction mixture.
[0029] The conversion of the oxime compound (IV) into compound (I) is usually effected by
alkylation with an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbamidoalkyl, cyanoalkyl or (tert-amino)alkyl
halide, such as the chloride, bromide or iodide, in the presence of, for instance,
sodium hydride, an alkali metal hydroxide or alkoxide, preferably sodium methoxide,
dissolved in a suitable solvent, preferably dimethyl formamide or methyl alcohol.
[0030] Generally, the preferred method of preparing any particular compound of formula (I)
will depend to some extent on the compound itself.
[0031] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, in a

,certain reaction steps described may be carried out in a different sequence or simultaneously
or without isolating infermadiates, and these poasibilitias are all included in the
invention For example, the intzoduction of the group R in compound (I) fosording to
the reaction of compound (II) with compound (III) may siso be carried out by reacting
compound (II) with a compound of formula (VI):

wherein Z is a group replaceable by or convertable into R, R being is hereinbefore
defined. The compound of formula (VII) thus obtained :

wherein Het, Ar, Z, m and n are as hereinbefore defined, can then be converted to
the compound of formula (I).
[0032] The N-oxidas of the compounds of formula (I) are preferably prepared by reacting
a compound of formula (I) with a peroxide agent, for example, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl
peroxide, or a similar compound, of which hydrogen peroxide is preferred. The reaction
is preferably osrried out in an inert solvent, such as, for example, acetic acid,
propionic acid, and the like, at temperature generally ranging between 50 °C and 90°C.
[0033] The N-oxides can also be prepared by reacting a compound formula (II), wherein Het
is the N-oxide of the previously defined hetero group (instead of the hetero group
itself), with a hydroxylamine derivative of formula (III), in the manner hereinbefore
described.
[0034] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared from the compounes cf the formula
(I) in a conventional manner.
[0035] The intermediate compounds with formulae (II) and (IV) save been described in the
literature or can be prepared by methods known per se.
[0036] Clearly the formulation of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention will
depend on the nature of the activity shown by the chosen compound of the formula (I),
and on other factors such as a preference in a particular area of therapy for a particular
mode of administration.
[0037] The compositions may be, for example, in the form of tablets, capsules, powders,granules,
lozenges or liquid preparations, such as oral or sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions.
[0038] Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose presentation form,
and may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting
lubricants, disintegrants, and acceptable wetting agents and the like. The tablets
may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice. Oral
liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspensions,
solutions, emulsions, syrups, or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for
reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicles before use. Such liquid preparations
may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents,
non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils) preservatives, and if desired
conventional flavouring or colouring agents, and the like.
[0039] For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilizing the
compound of the formula (I) and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the
vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle.
In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilized
before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants
such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents can be dissolved in
the vehicle. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner
except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved and
sterilization cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilized
by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspending in the sterile vehicle. Advantageously,
a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform
distribution of the compound.
[0040] The compositions of this invention may be in the form of a microfine powder for insufflation.
[0041] As is common practice, the compositions will usually be accompanied by written or
printed directions for use in the medical treatment concerned
[0042] . It will of course be realized that the precise dosage used in the treatment of
any of the hereinbefore described disorders will depend on the actual compound of
the formula (I) used and also on other factors such as the seriousness of the disorder
being treated. Broadly, the dose may vary from about 100 mg up to about 25 g per day
per patient.
[0043] The invention also provides a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of gastric disorders
in human beings which comprises the administration to the sufferer of an anti-ulcer
effective amount of a compound of the formula (I), or an N-oxide thereof, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt of said compound or said N-oxide.
[0044] Normally, the compounds of formula (I) will be administered as pharmaceutical compositions.
[0045] The "effective amount" will of course vary with factors such as the severity of the
ulceration, the weight of the sufferer and the specific compound of the formula (I)
used.
[0046] The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of the formula (I)
and their pharmacological properties.
EXAMPLE 1
[0047] Phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-methyl oxime (I) Phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone (.18.3 g)
and 0-methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (12 g) dissolved in 200 ml of pyridine were
refluxed for 8 hours. Pyridine was evaporated at reduced pressure and the residue
was treated with chloroform and water. The chloroform layer was separated and dried
over magnesium sulphate. Evaporation of the solvent afforded phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone,
0-methyl oxime as a 1:1 mixture of the E and Z-isomers (21.0 g), which was converted
into the hydrochloride addition salts (m.p. 146-149 °C).
[0048] If desired, the E and Z-isomers may be separated from the mixture by column chromatography
(e.g. silica gel with cyclohexane - ethyl acetate 3:I as the eluant). Identification
of the isomers occurred by NMR.
[0049] In a similar manner the following compounds were prepared :

EXAMPLE 2
Phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-cyanomethyl oxime (20)
[0050] Phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone oxime (5.4 g) was stirred in 50 ml of dimethyl formamide
containing 1.5 g of a 50 % dispersion of sodium hydride in oil, for 0.5 hours at room
temperature. After the hydrogen evolution was completed, chloroacetonitrile (2.5 g)
was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The greater part of the dimethyl
formamide was evaporated at reduced pressure, and then the residue was treated with
ether and water. The ether layer was separated and dried over magnesium sulphate.
The product was recrystallized from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether (40-60
°C), yielding pure phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-cyanomethyl oxime (4.9 g, m.p. 101.5
- 103 °C).
[0051] In a similar manner, the following compounds were prepared :

[0052] nThe preparation of compounds (24) and (25) has been described in U.S. Patent No. 3,290,320.
However, no melting points were mentioned in said patent.
EXAMPLE 3
Phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-methyl oxime, N-oxide (Z-isomer) (32) A mixture of 9.1
g of phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-methyl oxime,
[0053] 40 ml of glacial acetic acid and 15 ml of 30 % hydrogen peroxide in water was heated
overnight on a water bath at a temperature of 70 °C. The reaction mixture was concentrated
at reduced pressure, treated with chloroform and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium
bicarbonate.
[0054] The chloroform layer was separated and dried over magnesium sulphate. Evaporation
of the solvent and successive crystallization from a mixture of ether and petroleum
ether (40-60 °C) afforded the title compound (6.2 g, m.p. 98-99 °C).
Pharmacological Data
1. Effects on Gastric Secretion in the Pyloric Ligated Rat.
[0055] The method as described by Shay et al. (Gastroenterol. 26, 906 (1945)) was used.
After overnight starvation the pylorus of a rat was ligated under halothane aenesthesia
and the compound under test or vehicle only administered intraduodenally and the rats
allowed to recover. They were sacrificed three hours later and the gastric juice removed.
After measurement of the volume of secretion, its hydrogen ion concentration, [H
+] , was determined by titration with 0.05n NaOH to pH 7. Groups of 4-6 animals were
used for each treatment and the inhibitory effect of the compound was ascertained
by comparison of the mean values obtained with those from a simultaneously set up
control group of animals which received vehicle only. Students 't' test was applied
for significance between groups. The mean values for X inhibition obtained for a number
of experiments are shown in the following Table 1, the dosage being 100 mg/kg i.d.
2. Anti-ulcer activity
[0056] This was assessed by the inhibition of indomethacin induced gastric damage in the
rat according to the method of Elegbe (Israeli J. Med. Sci. 10, 1451 (1974)).
[0057] Rats were starved overnight, given indomethacin subcutaneously (15 mg/kg) and sacrificed
5 hours later. Stomachs were inflated with 0.9 Z saline, cut along the greater curvature,
pinned out and scored for gastric damage by the following system :-Score 1-3 according
to the degree of erythema and slight haemorrhage.
[0058] Score 4-6 according to the degree of mucosal erosion.
[0059] Score 7-9 according to the depth of gastric damage. Groups of 7 rats were used for
each treatment level of the compound under test and a similar group receiving vehicle
only was set up on each occasion of testing. Compound or vehicle was administered
orally 30 minutes prior to, and at 2 hours after dosing with indomethacin. Mean values
per treatment were obtained using the above scoring system and the Mann Witney test
applied for significance between such values. The mean inhibition of gastric damage
from a number of experiments is shown in the following Table 2 ; the dosage being
100 mg/kg orally.
[0060]

1. A pharmaceutical composition having anti-ulcer activity, which composition comprises
an anti-ulcer effective amount of a compound of the formula (I):

or an N-oxide thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said
N-oxide, wherein
Het is a 2-, 3- or 4-pyridinyl group, or such group substituted by one or more halogen
atoms or C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkoxy groups,
Ar is a phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic group, or such a group
substituted by one or more halogen atoms or C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl groups,
R is a C1-3 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, cyano C1-3 alkyl, a carbamidoalkyl group with the formula -(CH2)P C(O)NR1R2, wherein p is 1 or 2, R1 and R2 are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered
heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present, or an aminoalkyl group
with the formula -(CH2)qNR3R4, wherein q is 2 or 3, R3 and R are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered
heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present, and
m and n are each 0 or 1, with the proviso that m + n is not 2,
in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
2. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein Ar is a 5- or 6- membered monocyclic heteroaromatic
group, or such a group substituted by one or more halogen atoms or C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl groups, or an N-oxide thereof.
3. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein Ar is 2-thienyl or 2-furyl and R is methyl
or dimethylaminopropyl.
4. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein Ar is phenyl and R is methyl, 0-2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl
or 0-3-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl.
5. A compound according to Claim 1, wherein Het is 2-pyridinyl, Ar is phenyl and R
is 0-2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl or 0-3-N,N-dimethylaminopropyl.
6. The compound as claimed in Claim 1 phenyl 4-pyridinyl ketone, 0-2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl
oxime.
7. A compound of the formula (I):

or an N-oxide thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said
N-oxide, wherein
Het is a 2-, 3- or 4-pyridinyl group, or such group substituted by one or more halogen
atoms or C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkoxy groups,
Ar is a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic group or such group substituted
by one or more halogen atoms or C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or hydroxymethyl groups,
R is a C1-3 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, cyano C1-3 alkyl, a carbamidoalkyl group with the formula -(CH2)PC(O)NR1R2, wherein 2 1 2 p is 1 or 2, Rand R2 are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form
a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present,
or an aminoalkyl group with the formula -(CH2)qNR3R4, wherein q is 2 or 3, R3 and R4 are each hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- or 6-membered
heterocyclic ring in which another hetero atom may be present, and
m and n are each 0 or 1, with the proviso that m + n is not 2.
8. A compound according to any of Claims 1 to 7 which is substantially entirely in
the form of the E or the Z isomer.
9. A process for preparing a compound as claimed in Claim 1, which comprises:
A) reacting a compound of formula (II):

wherein Het, Ar, m and n are as defined in Claim 1 and Q is a carbonylgroup or a protected
carbonyl group, with a 0-substituted hydroxylamine derivative of formula (III):

or a salt thereof, wherein R is as defined in Claim 1, or B) reacting a compound of
formula (IV):

wherein Het, Ar, m and n are as defined in Claim 1 and M is a hydrogen or alkali metal
atom, with a compound of formula (V):

wherein R is as defined in Claim 1 and Y is a leaving group, or C) reacting a compound
of formula (II) as defined hereinbefore in this Claim, with a compound of formula
(VI):

wherein Z is a group replaceable by or convertable into R, R being as defined in Claim
1, and then converting the compound obtained of formula (VII):

into a compound as claimed in Claim 1,
or D) reacting a compound of formula (I) as claimed in Claim 1 with a peroxide,
or E) reacting an N-oxide of a compound of formula (II) as defined hereinbefore in
this Claim, with a hydroxylamine derivative of formula (III) as defined hereinbefore
in this Claim.